The owner’s eye is different from anyone else’s. It is a unique thing that sees ways to create revenue, customers, jobs, and an income for himself. It also sees danger lurking everywhere. It does not spend a lot of time thinking the sky is always blue.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? We could ask a similar question about an organization’s culture. Is culture a manifestation of “how we do things around here” or does culture set the tone for actions that follow? Do we change culture by tackling it directly, or do we start elsewhere and allow culture to evolve? You might ask “what difference does it make?” But with so much business literature dedicated to defining and shaping culture and corporate culture gurus speaking at global conferences, the matter of culture is perceived to be very important.

One of my long time mentors was Brian Tracy and one of his favorite sayings was to “Launch!” Then, I began to hear others talking about failing often to succeed in life. Finally, another entrepreneur friend shared her favorite saying: “Done is Better than Perfect.”

With so much data available, marketing on social media can be a lucrative way to promote your business to a specific audience who, based on their online information, is most likely to be interested in what you have to offer. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn all have incredibly detailed advertising platforms that allow you to scale your social media marketing tactics to broad or specific audiences. Choosing the right social channel(s) for your business is as important as the message(s) you send on them.

Raised by an entrepreneur in the automotive and real estate sectors, I was exposed to the struggles that come with running a small business. I also picked a few best practices that are important to small business owners, no matter the industry.

Your business may be small, but that doesn't mean that your impact can't be huge! The Greater Memphis Chamber's Small Business Council serves to encourage, support, recognize and be a resource to small- and medium-sized businesses in the Memphis area. Here, our talented panel of contributors will present big ideas that could make a huge difference to your small business. And don't be afraid to ask questions ... no matter how small.

CONTRIBUTORS

VOSS GRAHAMSales & Small Business OwnershipVoss W. Graham is CEO and Senior Business Advisor for InnerActive Consulting Group Inc. He is known by his clients as "a knowledgeable partner who helps our team achieve business growth." He provides practical experience as a small business owner for over 29 years, yet is often engaged with Fortune 500 companies in the development of their people and business strategies.

OBSIDIAN PUBLIC RELATIONSPublic RelationsSeveral professionals and strategists from the local Obsidian Public Relations firm provide excellent advice on everything from research to media relations to event planning. They believe that all companies, no matter how big or small the company or its budget, should have a public relations plan driving how they manage their relationships with key stakeholders. Public relations is an integral part of doing business the right way.

JOEL MYERSHuman ResourcesJoel Myers is a career Human Resources professional, with over 40 years in the field including 26 years in consulting.

TOM PEASESmall Business AdviceTom Pease is a small business owner of an office equipment dealership called e/Doc Systems, Inc. He has also owned a full-line Kawasaki dealership as well as a document shop. He used 30+ years of experience in owning a business to author two books, including: Going Out of Business by Design: Why 70% of Small Businesses Fail and Small Business Survival 101. He also has published 85 columns in The Memphis Daily News as the Small Business Advisor.

LORI TURNER-WILSONMarketing & Public RelationsLori Turner-Wilson is CEO and Founder of RedRover Company, a sales development, marketing and PR consulting firm. Lori works with companies large and small, from start-ups to mature organizations, to help them improve the productivity of their sales force and the return on their marketing investment. Lori writes a weekly syndicated column for the Daily News, Memphis News, Nashville Ledger, and Desoto Times, among others, titled “Guerrilla Sales & Marketing,” for which she won a 2011 Summit International Award and 2012 International Communicator Award.

INFERNODesign and Digital StrategyFounded in 1999, inferno provides brand development, advertising, public relations, design and digital marketing services to clients across a broad spectrum of industries. Headquartered in Memphis with a satellite office in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the award-winning firm produces results-driven work by passionately combining strategic thinking, creativity and culture to ensure the success of its clients. For more information, visit www.creativeinferno.com.

FISHER PHILLIPS LLPLabor & Employment LawFisher Phillips attorneys are ready to help you take a stand: in court, with employees and unions, or with competitors. Fisher Phillips has the experience and resolve to back you up. That's why some of the savviest employers come to the firm to handle their toughest labor and employment cases. The firm has 350 attorneys in 32 offices, including Memphis. For more information, visit www.fisherphillips.com.

PARAGON BANKFinanceSince its founding in 2005, Paragon Bank has maintained a solid focus on the community and customer service. For more than 10 years, Paragon has delivered innovative products and financial expertise, convenience, and a deep understanding of what both businesses and individuals need from a ban, in order to provide solutions that make a difference. In the areas of business or personal banking, lending options or wealth management, Paragon delivers cutting edge technology, an experienced team and the most service-oriented staff of any community bank.